Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages about 1,255 temples in the state, today opposed the complete ban on firework displays.

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PTI

New Delhi

April 11, 2016

UPDATED: April 11, 2016 15:19 IST

Kollam temple tragedy

Travancore Devaswom Board , which manages about 1,255 temples in the state, today opposed the complete ban on firework displays.

TDB president Prayar Goapalakrishnan, said that the board was against banning the pyrotechnics during temple festivals as they are part of rituals.

"In various temples fireworks display is part of temple rituals and we cannot ban it. But it should be as per the restrictions of government and court orders with sufficient safety measures, Gopalakrishnan said.

The board has issued an urgent circular to all temples under it, directing that the fireworks display be carried out only in compliance with rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, Prof M Kutty, President of the Thiruvambadi Devaswom, one of the organisers of the famous Thrissur Pooram to be held on April 17 said, "We will be conducting the festival, observing all legal formalities".

The fireworks festivities cannot be cancelled, he said, adding it was an age-old tradition.

Even Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had said yesterday that the government could impose regulations on the display of fireworks, but cannot ban them.

"In the name of rituals and traditions, we have limitations. We can regulate them (display of fireworks) but not ban them", he said.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister A K Antony said government "should" consider the possibility of banning fireworks display in the light of the tragedy.

However, board member Ajay Tharayil, favoured of a 'total ban' on major fireworks.

A devastating fire had engulfed the 100-year-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex near here during an unauthorised display of fireworks yesterday, leaving 109 dead.